Celebrating Your Galentines

The Spice Girls said it best: "If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends."

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, but let's talk about the February holiday we REALLY can't wait for: Galentine's Day.

The concept of "Galentine's Day" has recently come into play within the last few years, and while doing some research, I found out that it originated from a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation; I had no idea! Parks and Rec is still on my "shows to watch" bucket list, and this little discovery makes me want to start now!

This newly-invented holiday takes place on February 13 as a way to celebrate your special lady gang. Plan a movie night. Hit the nail salon. Get your brunch on. The possibilities are endless.

If you are anything like me, you can probably relate to the fact there is always so much pressure surrounding Valentine's Day. If you have a significant other, you're probably worried about getting a gift, making a dinner reservation, finding the perfect outfit, blah blah BLAH. And if you don't have a significant other, chances are you're feeling bad about it. Even when you told yourself "I'LL BE FINE," in reality, it just plain sucks to be alone on V-Day.

There is just so much hype around it all that leads to pointless stress when it's actually supposed to be fun. Roses and boxes of candy are cool and all, but hook this girl up with a heart shaped pizza and movies on the couch. I'll be SET!

That's why Galentine's Day is such a fun idea, and probably why it has gained so much momentum. The pressure is OFF when it's just you and your closest girlfriends. And you can do things you love, like binge-watch episodes of Gilmore Girls while devouring a stack of pancakes with a mimosa. Am I right or am I RIGHT?!

Plus, what better time to remind your gal pals how much you love them than the month of love? You're there for each other all year, through the ups and the downs and all the fun, so it's time to celebrate friendship. Kick the boys out. WHO RUN THE WORLD?

Here are some ideas to celebrate Galentine's Day:

BRUNCH, OBVIOUSLY.

This seems to be the Galentine's Day activity of choice, because who would say no to brunch? (Seriously, who would?) Get your group of girl bosses together and meet up at your favorite brunch destination. Sip mimosas, treat yo'self to some french toast and catch up on the latest. (Like the current shocking plot of "This Is Us!") There is nothing better than being in good company with good food. Cheers to THAT!

HOST A G-DAY PARTY

If you love hosting parties with your girls, Galentine's Day is the perfect excuse to go all out! Plan a pajama party night with breakfast food, spa essentials, sweet treats and the best chick flicks. (I'm talking the Princess Diaries, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Legally Blonde, Clueless etc.) I love this idea from Oh Happy Day to make an "ice cream for breakfast" bar. And you can play fun games like this idea from Studio DIY! Oh, and don't forget the donuts.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

If your girl gang loves to shop, why not plan a trip to the stores? Hit the mall to shop around together! Pick out looks for each other to try on and have an impromptu fashion show. If the mall isn't your scene, walk around your favorite downtown area to check out a variety of boutiques, salons and eateries.

DINNER AND A MOVIE G.N.O.

One of my favorite things to do with my girlfriends is get dinner together and see a movie. It's such a fun and easy way to catch up! Enjoy a meal close by a local movie theater so you don't feel rushed. I've recently seen "The Greatest Showman" and "I, Tonya" and would highly recommend both! If your week is busy, this is a great way to pause and enjoy some BFF time after work.

SEND SOME LOVE

Too busy to plan a get-together with your besties? You can still send some love in the mail! Pick up a cute Galentine's Day card like these from Lily and Val, write a note and send it off. I've never met a girl who doesn't love getting mail, so this will be a nice surprise!

*****

It's always fun to be spoiled by your valentine with all the cliche things the holiday is made of, but don't forget to celebrate who always has your back no matter what: your girlfriends.

I got you babe,